Planning a new washroom is one of the smartest ways to add daily comfort and long-term value to your home. As a Perth specialist in kitchen renovations, bathroom design, laundry makeovers and custom wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens brings the same award-winning custom cabinetry WA craft to your bathroom. Below you’ll find the latest Australian bathroom trends, practical layouts, compliant materials, and clear costings—plus how our design-and-renovation process keeps your project on time and on budget.
Core insights and 2025 bathroom trends
Whether it’s an ensuite, a family bathroom, or a compact powder room, a well-planned new washroom should be easy to clean, highly water-efficient and tailored to your household’s routines. Here’s what Australian homeowners are asking for in 2025:
- Low-maintenance surfaces: porcelain slab and sintered stone vanities; large-format tiles with minimal grout.
- Storage-first design: full-height bespoke joinery, mirrored shaving cabinets, soft-close drawers, internal power points.
- Wellbeing: walk-in showers, integrated LED strip lighting, heated towel rails, optional underfloor heating.
- Timeless style: shaker vanity for a Hamptons or coastal feel, or handleless cabinet doors for a minimalist look.
- Smart sustainability: high WELS ratings for tapware and showers, water-saving toilets, and durable finishes.
Quick definition: WELS rating
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme rates water-using products. Higher stars = less water used. Learn more at the official WELS site (external). WELS
Our WA renovation process (design to handover)
1) In-home consult and measure
Your Joyce designer visits to understand how you live—who uses the space, storage needs, and accessibility. We measure meticulously, noting plumbing and electrical points, fall to wastes, and ventilation.
2) Design concept and 3D presentation
We present layouts, mood boards and realistic visuals. You’ll see cabinetry profiles (from shaker to flat-panel), finishes (timber veneer, two-pack polyurethane, vinyl wrap), and fixture options.
3) Detailed scope, compliance, and timeline
We specify materials, waterproofing, and trades. We work to Australian Standards (e.g., AS 3740 for waterproofing) and the NCC. For WA building queries, see the state regulator’s resources. Building and Energy WA
4) Manufacture and install
Custom cabinetry is built locally for custom cabinetry WA quality control—think durable internals, Blum hardware, and precision edges. Our licenced trades handle plumbing and electrical to AS/NZS standards.
5) Handover and care
We walk you through cleaning, maintenance and warranty info, so your finishes look fresh for years.
Peace of mind: We follow best practice from peak bodies such as the Housing Industry Association. HIA
Materials and finishes that suit Australian homes
Cabinetry and storage
- Doors and fronts: two-pack polyurethane for a premium painted finish; textured laminates for durability; timber veneer for warmth.
- Internal fittings: soft-close drawers, pull-out hampers, and adjustable shelves keep the vanity organised.
- Styles: shaker kitchen-inspired vanities for Hamptons/coastal homes; handleless with finger pulls for contemporary builds.
Benchtops and splash zones
- Sintered/porcelain slabs: very hard, heat- and UV-resistant—ideal for sunny WA bathrooms and even a coordinating stone splashback.
- High-pressure laminate: budget-friendly, huge colour range, now with realistic stone/timber looks.
- Solid surface (acrylic): seamless integration with coved splashbacks; warm to touch.
- Natural stone: beautiful but needs sealing and more care, especially with cosmetics and hair dyes.
Note on engineered stone benchtops (Australia)
Engineered stone containing crystalline silica has been subject to a national ban/strict controls. If you were considering an engineered stone benchtop, talk to your designer about safe, compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered slabs, solid surface or natural stone, and confirm current regulations in WA.
Tiles, waterproofing and fixtures
- Tiles: Large-format porcelain reduces grout lines. For slip resistance, check the appropriate “P” rating for wet areas.
- Waterproofing: Compliant membranes and set-downs to AS 3740 for showers, floors and hobs.
- Tapware: Durable finishes like PVD in brushed nickel, gunmetal or matte black; pair with high WELS ratings for water efficiency.
- Lighting: Select the right IP rating near showers and baths and consider warm-white task and ambient layers.
Quick definition: IP rating
Ingress Protection ratings indicate how well a fitting resists dust and water. In bathrooms, higher IP ratings are required close to wet zones.
Benchtop comparison: Sintered/Porcelain slab vs High-Pressure Laminate
| Feature | Sintered/Porcelain Slab | High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; ideal for bright WA bathrooms | Good, but avoid direct heat exposure |
| Stain & scratch resistance | Very high; non-porous | Good daily performance; can scratch if abused |
| Seams & joins | Large slabs reduce joins; crisp mitres possible | Visible edge bands; modern edges look clean |
| Maintenance | Simple wipe-down; no sealing required | Simple wipe-down; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Indicative cost (vanity) | $$$ – Premium | $ – Budget to mid |
| Best for | Premium ensuites, statement vanities, high durability | Investment properties, kids’ bathrooms, smart budgets |
Layouts and styles that work in WA homes
Popular layouts
- Walk-in shower with a frameless screen: easier cleaning and universal access.
- Wet room (shower and bath in one zone): strong fall to drain required; brilliant in compact spaces.
- Family bathroom: separate bath, twin basins and generous storage for busy mornings.
- Powder room: space-saving wall-hung vanity and statement basin.
Styles that last
- Hamptons/coastal: shaker fronts, soft whites, brushed nickel tapware, pale timber accents.
- Contemporary minimalist: handleless cabinetry, matt finishes, linear LED strip lighting.
- Warm modern: timber veneer, terrazzo-look tiles, soft-gold accents.
Coordinating spaces pays off. If you’re considering kitchen renovations Perth, a laundry renovation Perth or new wardrobes alongside your bathroom, our designers can carry materials and profiles across rooms for a cohesive look—think matching vanity and kitchen door profiles, consistent benchtop palettes, and aligned hardware.
Costs and timelines in Perth
- Cosmetic refresh (retain layout): from ~$8,000–$15,000
- Mid-range renovation (new fixtures/tiles, some re-plumbing): ~$15,000–$30,000
- Premium transformation (full redesign, premium surfaces, custom joinery): ~$30,000–$60,000+
Timelines typically range from 3–6 weeks on site, plus design, ordering and manufacturing lead times. Moving plumbing points, complex waterproofing, or structural work can add time and cost.
Tip: Allow a contingency of 10–15% for unforeseen works (e.g., subfloor remediation). For trade quality assurance in WA, you can also consult peak bodies like HIA or relevant regulators noted above.
Two quick Perth case examples
Case 1: South Perth Ensuite, Warm Minimalist
We replaced a cramped hobbed shower with a walk-in, used wall-hung bespoke joinery in timber veneer, and a porcelain-slab vanity top. Soft-gold PVD tapware and dimmable LED strip lighting created hotel-like calm. Result: easier cleaning and more light.
Case 2: Floreat Family Bathroom, Hamptons-Coastal
Shaker-profile vanity in two-pack polyurethane, tall mirrored storage, and kid-proof large-format porcelain tiles. A freestanding bath and brushed nickel fixtures gave classic style that complements the owners’ shaker kitchen.
Bathroom display rooms and images
See finishes, storage ideas and lighting in person at our Perth bathroom display rooms. Bring your plans or photos and we’ll workshop options on the spot. Prefer to browse at home? Ask us for our latest bathroom images gallery—real Perth projects and curated looks that translate to your space.
Renovating more than the bathroom? Our team coordinates kitchens, laundries, wardrobes and even a butler’s pantry or scullery, so profiles, colours and hardware align across the home.
Compliance quick check (WA)
Waterproofing to AS 3740, electrical to AS/NZS 3000, plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, and ventilation per NCC requirements. For guidance or licensing info, see the WA regulator. Building and Energy WA
New washroom planning checklist
- Define users and storage (towelling, hair appliances, cleaning kit, spare toiletries).
- Set a realistic budget and a 10–15% contingency.
- Confirm if layout changes need approvals or compliance upgrades.
- Select surfaces for low maintenance: porcelain/sintered, quality laminates, sealed grout.
- Choose water- and energy-efficient fittings (high WELS ratings, LED lighting).
- Plan lighting layers: task at mirror, ambient ceiling, night light option.
- Future-proof with wider entries, hobless showers and non-slip tiles where needed.
- Coordinate across kitchen, laundry and wardrobes for a cohesive whole-home look.
- Book a showroom visit to test storage and finishes in person.
Considering engaging a registered builder? You can also review advice from industry bodies. Master Builders WA
FAQ
What does a new washroom cost in Perth in 2025?
As a guide, expect ~$8k–$15k for a cosmetic refresh, ~$15k–$30k for a mid-range renovation, and $30k–$60k+ for a premium redesign with custom joinery and porcelain/sintered stone. Final price depends on layout changes, waterproofing, tile selection and fixtures.
How long does a bathroom renovation take from design to handover?
Allow 2–4 weeks for design and selections, 2–6 weeks for manufacture and ordering, and 3–6 weeks on site. Projects with structural changes, re-plumbing or long-lead products may take longer.
Do I need council or building approval for a bathroom renovation in WA?
Most like-for-like bathroom updates don’t require a building permit, but structural changes, window alterations, or significant plumbing/electrical work may trigger approvals and certifications. Always confirm requirements with your local council and licenced trades, and follow AS/NZS standards and the NCC.
What benchtop material is best for a family bathroom?
Porcelain/sintered slabs are ultra-durable, heat- and UV-resistant, and low-maintenance—great for busy households. High-pressure laminate offers excellent value with modern looks. If you were considering engineered stone, discuss compliant alternatives with your designer.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes together?
Yes. We regularly design and deliver cohesive whole-home projects—kitchen renovations, bathroom and laundry upgrades, and custom wardrobes—so materials, profiles and hardware match across spaces.
